Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Darragh O'Brien spoke about assistance for mortgage holders. An amendment has been proposed to the Order of Business in that regard, which I do not propose to accept. Senator O'Brien also referred to the Smithwick tribunal. The Minister for Justice and Equality was in the House yesterday and gave a comprehensive explanation of what happened. He was asked if information was withheld from the House. The Minister said he had received a letter from Mr. Justice Smithwick, marked private and confidential to the addressee only, that he had asked Mr. Justice Smithwick if he could put the letter in the public domain and that he did so. The Minister gave the relevant dates and gave comprehensive information to the House on the matter. It is a matter of surprise and regret that we are seeking, on the basis of selective quotations from lengthy correspondence between the Minister and the judge, to involve the operations of the tribunal in a party political controversy.

Senators Bacik, Ó Murchú and Whelan raised the despicable telephone hacking scandal in the United Kingdom, which could be happening here also. Senator Whelan suggested the setting up of a media commission. We already have a Press Council. There is major concern in the public and among Members of the Oireachtas about media ownership and data protection. I will examine the possibility of mirroring that concern in a debate and decide who would be the appropriate Minister to take the debate. I will try to arrange such a debate in the autumn.

Senator Coghlan referred to the sporting achievements of our participants in the Special Olympics and the positive energy they generate. Senator Coghlan generated positive energy in the House today. The question of funding is one on which we can make representations. However, it will be difficult to secure funding in any area, given the current financial constraints. If any sporting body is to be assisted, it should be Special Olympics Ireland.

Senator Quinn asked for a debate on social protection and referred to social welfare rates and payments to people abroad. Those issues were dealt with comprehensively during the debate on the social welfare Bill with the Minister recently. The Minister agreed to return at a later date to discuss other social welfare issues. She is open to coming to the House in the autumn. She was present last night for the debate on the Registration of Wills Bill 2011, which was her third appearance here. She has paid good attention to the House.

Senator Ó Domhnaill proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. I note his and Senator Ó Murchú's comments on the Irish language.

In reply to Senator Norris, the fact remains that we have lost our economic sovereignty.